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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know US-India News India Times (February 14, 2026 - February 20, 2026) February 20, 2026 7 US-India Joint Statement Indian Navy Assumes First-Ever Command Of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 Washington Issues Updated India-US Trade Framework Fact-Sheet; Drops Pulses, Agriculture; Says India ‘Intends’ To Buy 500 Bn USD Of US Products I n a landmark development underscoring India’s commitment to collaborative maritime security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, the Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a key multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The change of command ceremony was conducted on 11 Feb 2026 at CMF Headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, and was presided over by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Com- mander, CMF / US NAVCENT / US Fifth Fleet. VAdmTa- run Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS), Indian Navy, and senior military leaders from other member nations were in attendance. Cmde Milind MMokashi, Shaurya Chakra, of the Indian Navy, formally took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Commander of the Italian Navy. CTF 154 is specifically oriented towards training and capacity building of member nations of CMF. It reflects the region’s growing trust in India’s professional expertise, operational experience, and a role as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 nations of the CMF. CTF 154, established in May 2023, is dedicated to en- hancing maritime security through multinational training programs across the Middle East and the wider region. The training focuses on five core pillars: Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Law of the Sea, Maritime Interdiction Operations, Maritime Rescue and Assistance, and Leadership Development. The task force conducts regular Maritime Security Enhancement Training (MSET) events, exercises like Compass Rose and Northern/South- ern Readiness, and outreach to build partner nations’ operational capabilities against common threats such as illegal trafficking, piracy, and irregular migration. CTF 154 operates alongside CMF’s other task forces: CTF 150 (Maritime Security), CTF 151 (Counter-Piracy), CTF 152 (Maritime Security in Arabian Gulf) and CTF 153 (Maritime Security in Red Sea). The Indian Navy looks forward to a productive tenure, delivering high-impact training initiatives and reinforcing global maritime partnerships for peace, prosperity, and security. U S Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Tuesday described India as a potential “way station” for US supply chains, positioning the country as an alternative to China amid shifting global trade dynamics. In an interview with Fox News, Ambassador Greer, when asked whether India could be the right place for US companies to move supply chains out of China, said India was a viable option for companies seeking to diver- sify away from China, noting its manufacturing capacity and workforce strength. “It can be. We know that many companies are already going in that direction. As you mentioned, we want our supply chains in the United States to be as close to home as possible. But we also know it’s a process. When you shift from globalisation to a more resilient and secure economy, you will eventually need to reallocate supply chains. India can be a way station for that,” USTR Greer said to Fox News. “They have a large workforce and manufacturing capacity. Of course, American manufacturing and the American worker must come first. But to the extent that we import from other countries, India can be a good source–as long as it’s balanced and fair,” he added. On commitments on the recently concluded frame- work of the India-US interim trade agreement, Greer expressed optimism, saying India is “really committed”, adding that “They (India) have started expanding some of their commitments with respect to purchases. They’ve already rolled back some of the digital services tax that affected us, and they’re moving to reduce tariffs. This is going to be a really important deal, and it’s going to rever- berate for many years to come.” -ANI PHOTO:ANI PHOTOS:COURTESY EMBASSY OF INDIA INWASHINGTON,D.C.